Have you ever noticed Latin American Spanish speakers saying "este..." when they're thinking about what to say next? If you've wondered what this little word means and how to use it, you're in for a treat! Today we're exploring a common but often overlooked feature of Latin American Spanish: using este as a colloquial hesitation marker or interjection.

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What is Este as an Interjection?

While most Spanish learners know este as the demonstrative adjective meaning "this" (este libro = this book), it has another completely different use in spoken Spanish. When used as an interjection, este functions exactly like the English "um," "uh," or "well" - it's a filler word that speakers use when they're hesitating, thinking, or pausing before continuing their thought.

How Este Works as a Hesitation Marker

This usage of este is particularly common in Latin American Spanish. When someone says Este... quería contarles algo grave (Um... I wanted to tell you something serious), they're using este to buy themselves a moment to gather their thoughts, just like English speakers do with "um" or "well." Here are some typical contexts where you'll hear this:

Starting to speak when nervous:

Este... necesito hablar contigo (Um... I need to talk to you)

¿Qué tal? Este... Mi nombre es David del Valle. Este... tengo veintiún años. Soy estudiante.

What's up? Um... My name is David del Valle. Um... I'm twenty-one years old. I'm a student.

Captions 1-2, Amigos D.F. El secuestrar

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When you're unsure how to continue:

Este... ¿cómo te explico? (Um... how do I explain this to you?)

Es algo muy divertido y, pues, este... pues, sí.

It's a really fun thing, and well, um... well, yes.

Captions 14-15, Rueda de la muerte Parte 1

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Buying time while thinking:

Este... dame un momento (Um... give me a moment)

Este... ¿Qué más? ¿Qué más? ¡Se me olvida cuando nos preguntan!

Um... What else? What else? I forget when we're asked!

Captions 30-31, La Gusana Ciega Entrevista - Part 1

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Understanding Este as a Conversational Tool

This use of este is especially prevalent in Latin American countries, where it's a natural part of everyday conversation. You might also hear esto used in the same way, with the same hesitation function. It's important to recognize that when este is used this way, it has nothing to do with pointing to something nearby. Instead, it's purely a conversational tool that helps speakers navigate the natural pauses and hesitations that occur in spontaneous speech.

Este... me voy a fijar si hay.

Well... I'm going to check to see if there's any.

Caption 34, Yago 5 La ciudad - Part 6

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Mastering Este as an Interjection

Understanding este as a hesitation marker will help you sound more natural in Spanish conversations and better comprehend native speakers who use these common filler words. While you don't need to actively use it as a beginner, recognizing it when you hear it will make your listening comprehension much smoother.

Next time you're listening to Spanish conversations, keep an ear out for this little word - you'll be surprised how often you notice it once you know what to listen for! What other Spanish filler words or conversational markers would you like to learn about? Share your thoughts with us and don't forget to send us your questions and comments!

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